Essay Prompt 1 (Personal Qualities):
Describe a time you faced a significant challenge or obstacle. How did you approach the situation, and what did you learn from the experience? Focus on a specific event and illustrate your personal qualities (e.g., resilience, problem-solving skills, empathy) through detailed examples and reflection. Avoid clichés and focus on the nuances of your experience and what it revealed about you.
Essay Prompt 2 (Intellectual Curiosity):
Describe an idea, concept, or topic that has deeply intrigued you. Explain what sparked your interest, how you explored it (e.g., through research, discussion, personal experience), and how this exploration has influenced your thinking or perspective. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a willingness to engage with complex ideas. The topic can be anything – academic, artistic, scientific, or personal – but focus on demonstrating your intellectual engagement and what you gained from the process.
Remember to tailor your responses to specifically answer the prompt and showcase aspects of yourself that align with your chosen UC schools and programs. These are just starting points; your unique experiences and perspectives will make your essays truly stand out. Carefully consider what you want to convey about yourself to the admissions committee.